Lighted polyhedral retractor

ABSTRACT

A surgical retractor includes a structure including a plurality of legs and a plurality of joints, each leg being connected to at least one second leg at a joint. The structure has a non-expanded state, and an expanded state in which the structure forms a three dimensional structure having an internal volume. The structure has first and second manipulator arms, each of the manipulator arms being connected to at least two joints of the structure. The manipulator arms may be manipulated by a hand of a user. The retractor also includes a connector that holds the first and second manipulator arms in a crossed position. The connector holds the first and second manipulator arms at a point of intersection. The connector allows a user to move the manipulator arms and cause an angle formed by the manipulator arms to change. Movement of the first and second manipulator arms causes the structure to move between the non-expanded state and the expanded state.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/791,095 filed Jul. 2, 2015, which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a surgical retractor that providesimproved access to a surgical space, devised in the shape of a partialpolyhedron, and also provides improved visualization of the surgicalspace with light emitting elements placed within the structure.

Typically, surgical retractors ‘retract’ something, that is, pullsomething ‘open’ along generally an “x” and “y” axis so that the usercan see and have access to what is underneath. Surgical retraction isgenerally targeted to a specific tissue or a specific point. What hasnot heretofore been satisfactorily accomplished is expansion of ageneral work area around the area of interest, for example, not justlimited to an “x” and “y” axis retraction, but even expansion of ageneral area along a plurality of axes. While that concept may not bepossible in some surgical circumstances, it may be very desirable andpossible in many instances. Specifically, it may be desirable to have aretractor that does not just merely retract one specific tissue or pointof interest, but is capable of expanding a work area of interest inmultiple dimensions in multiple ways creating the most suitable workenvironment possible. The instant invention accomplishes just that andprovides an evenly illuminated environment also.

BACKGROUND

Surgical retractors are known. Surgical retractors that expand in placeare known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,075,582 discloses an expandableintra-gastric balloon (1) for treating obesity, the balloon being forimplanting in the stomach in order to reduce its volume, said balloon(1) comprising a first flexible pouch (2) provided with first connectionmeans (3) for receiving a connection member (6) that is for connectionto a first fluid source in order to expand said first pouch (2) in thestomach by filling it with fluid, the balloon being characterized inthat it includes at least one second flexible pouch (20) provided withsecond connection means (3), said second connection means (3) beingseparate from the first connection means (3) in such a manner as to becapable of being connected to a second fluid source different from thefirst fluid source. The invention applies to treating obesity.

In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,625,339 discloses a blade extendingtower for setting blade depth on retractors having telescoping orextending blades. The blade extending tower features a base, a columnextending from the base, and mating features on the column configured toengage the blades of a retractor to extend the blades to a desired bladedepth. Blade depth of the retractor is set by sliding the retractor ontothe blade extending tower such that the mating features of the bladeextending tower engage the blades or the retractor, stopping the blades'progression while the rest of the retractor continues along the lengthof the column. Thus the blades of the retractor are extended from theretractor to a depth determined by the configuration of the bladeextending tower.

In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,772 discloses an apparatus forretracting an organ inside the body to gain access to an adjacenttissue. The apparatus comprises an expandable cage and an expansionelement. The expandable cage is capable of being inserted into the bodythrough a small incision or puncture in a collapsed state. The expansionelement is for selectively expanding the expansible cage inside the bodyto an expanded state. The expansion element includes an envelopeenclosing a fluid-inflatable chamber. The expansible cage includes anadditional envelope mounted inside the inflatable chamber and enclosingan additional fluid-inflatable chamber. The expansible cage isadditionally capable of maintaining the expanded state independently ofthe expansion element after the expansible cage has been expanded by theexpansion element to the expanded state.

In another example, U.S. Patent Application US2004/0236186 discloses anexpandable surgical retractor for use in minimal incision surgery. Theretractor consists of a fiber optic central rod surrounded by flexiblewires designed to create an open space for visualization and surgicalwork within an illuminated surgical field. The flexible wires aredisposed via selective pressure of the surgeon and are variable innumber. The configuration will allow for both forward and backillumination of the surgical field. The expandable surgical retractorallows for surgical visualization in anatomical areas heretofore toocomplicated for surgical consideration. Other embodiments of theexpandable surgical retractor are contemplated wherein a handle with anaperture may replace the central rod. The flexible wires may fit inopenings around the aperture. The handle, in this embodiment, may have alight source and may be adapted to be used in select areas of anatomy.Further, the handle may be transparent. Thus, incorporating lightsources into an expandable retractor are known.

In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,761 discloses methods andapparatus for a surgical retractor include a ring, a plurality offlexible straps connected to the ring, a patch of hook or loop materialconnected to each strap, a coordinating patch of hook or loop materialconnectable to the patient's skin or the surgical drape. The flexiblestraps of the surgical retractor may be frangibly connected together.LEDs molded into the distal end create a light source to illuminate thesurgical site. The ring may take several forms including a flexible oradjustable ring and an inflatable bladder. The ring of the surgicalretractor is inserted into the surgical incision, a patch of loopfastener is attached to the patient, a set of straps connected to thering are pulled outward and the hook portion is applied to the loopportion to hold the incision open. The retractor is useable for thoracicand other types of surgery.

Many types of lights sources integrated with various retractor types areknown. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,922,658 discloses a blade for asurgical retractor. The blade includes a base portion and a distalportion. The base portion may be attached to a frame of a surgicalretractor. The distal portion may be removably coupled to the baseportion and may be unitarily constructed of a translucent material. Alight source may be removably coupled to the distal portion. The distalportion may be disposable.

In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,556,601 discloses methods anddevices for illuminating a surgical space during surgery in a patientare provided. A retractor provides a working path for access to alocation in the patient. A light instrument is positionable in workingchannel to emit light at the surgical space without substantiallyobstructing access to the surgical space.

In another example, U.S. Patent Application US2003/0095781 disclosesilluminated surgical retractors include at least one retractor blade anda light delivery system. In some embodiments of the invention, the lightdelivery system includes a light emitter in the form of an elongatedlight emitting blade portion extending along the length of the retractorblade. The light emitter may be coupled to a light source integral withthe retractor for illuminating all or a portion of the length of thelight emitter or retractor blade. In other embodiments of the invention,the light delivery system may include an array of lights which may beattached directly to the retractor blade or to a support in the shape ofan elongated blade that extends along the length of the retractor bladefor illuminating all or a portion of the length of the retractor blade.

Therefore, there remains an unmet need for the device of the inventionof the present application that provides improved unobstructed free anddirect access to an evenly dimensioned surgical area with fullgeometrically even illumination providing the surgeon heretoforeunfettered views and access to critical surgical environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a surgical retractor that providesimproved access to a surgical space. Specifically, the instant inventionprovides a surgical retractor that is devised in the shape of a partialpolyhedron, mechanically implemented by placing at a designated area andthen expanding along one or more of its partial polyhedral axes touniformly retract the designated body tissues and expand the accessiblesurgical space while also providing improved visualization of thesurgical field with strategically placed light emitting elements atspecific locations along the partial polyhedral framework.

In accordance with an embodiment, a surgical retractor device includes astructure comprising a plurality of legs and a plurality of joints, eachleg being connected to at least one second leg at a joint, wherein thestructure has a non-expanded state in which the structure does not forman internal three-dimensional volume and an expanded state in which thestructure forms a three dimensional structure having an internal volume.The retractor also includes first and second manipulator arms. Each ofthe first and second manipulator arms is connected to at least twojoints of the structure. The manipulator arms are adapted to bemanipulated by a hand of a user. The retractor also includes a connectoradapted to hold the first and second manipulator arms in a crossedposition, defining a point of intersection of the first and secondmanipulator arms. The connector holds the first and second manipulatorarms at the point of intersection, and is adapted to allow the first andsecond manipulator arms to move to cause an angle formed by the firstand second manipulator arms to change in response to pressure providedby the hand of the user. Movement of the first and second manipulatorarms causes the structure to move between the non-expanded state and theexpanded state.

In one embodiment, the legs, manipulator arms, and joints may be formedof plastic, ceramic, or metal, or a combination of materials.

In another embodiment, the retractor device includes a plurality oflighting elements, each lighting element being connected to a selectedone of the plurality of legs. Each lighting element may be a lightemitting diode light source, for example.

In another embodiment, the plurality of legs form a rectangularstructure and a trapezoidal structure. When the structure is in thenon-expanded state, the first and second manipulator arms, therectangular structure, and the trapezoidal structure are positioned inthe same plane. When the structure is in the expanded state, the firstand second manipulator arms define a first plane, the rectangularstructure defines a second plane different from the first plane, and thetrapezoidal structure defines a third plane different from the first andsecond planes. The first, second, and third planes define an internalthree-dimensional volume that may be used as a surgical space.

In another embodiment, the plurality of legs form a first rectangularstructure and a second rectangular structure. The first and secondmanipulator arms, the first rectangular structure, and the secondrectangular structure are positioned in the same plane, when thestructure is in the non-expanded state. The first and second manipulatorarms define a first plane, the first rectangular structure defines asecond plane different from the first plane, and the second rectangularstructure defines a third plane different from the first and secondplanes, when the structure is in the expanded state.

In another embodiment, the connector includes a first disk comprising achannel adapted to hold the first manipulator arm, and a second diskadapted to hold the second manipulator arm, the second disk beingconnected to the first disk. The first and second disks are adapted torotate relative to each other.

In another embodiment, the connector further includes a locking buttonhaving a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking buttonbeing adapted to lock the first disk in a position relative to thesecond disk, wherein the first and second disks can rotate relative toeach other when the locking button is in the unlocked position, whereinthe first and second disks cannot rotate relative to each other when thelocking button is in the locked position.

In another embodiment, each of the joints includes a ball joint or aswivel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a conventional surgical space created by the use oftraditional surgical instruments restraining surface tissues in a singledirection to expose underlying tissues.

FIG. 2 shows a basic polyhedral structure further depicting how lightingelements could be placed at points along the polyhedral framework.

FIG. 3 shows how a polyhedral structure can be partially implemented tocreate/expand a defined space.

FIG. 4 shows one manner of implementing the folding and unfolding of thelegs that form a polyhedral structure through the use of guide wires.

FIG. 5 shows and alternative manner of implementing the folding andunfolding of the legs that form a polyhedral structure through the useof hinged axes.

FIG. 6A shows a retractor device in a non-expanded state in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 6B shows a cross-section of the retractor device of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C shows the retractor device of FIG. 6A in an expanded state.

FIG. 7A shows a retractor device in a non-expanded state in accordancewith another embodiment.

FIG. 7B shows a cross-section of the retractor device of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C shows the retractor device of FIG. 7A in an expanded state.

FIG. 7D shows a disk that forms part of a connector in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 7E shows a side view of a connector in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 7F shows a top view of a connector in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 8A shows a retractor device in a non-expanded state in accordancewith another embodiment.

FIG. 8B shows the retractor device of FIG. 8A in an expanded state.

FIG. 9 shows a retractor device in accordance with another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the detaileddescription of the invention is divided into the following subsectionsthat describe or illustrate certain features, embodiments orapplications of the present invention.

Definitions

A “surgical retractor” as used herein refers to an instrument forretaining the edges of a surgical incision or organ or other tissue toallow access to a desired area for a surgical procedure.

A “light-emitting element” or “lighting element” as used herein refersto any suitable device for providing illumination directly or indirectlyto the surgical space.

The Device of the Present Invention

In one embodiment the present invention provides a surgical retractor:

-   -   i. comprising a structure formed with legs that upon deployment,        expand into a partial polyhedral shape;    -   ii. said structure being compact in its non-deployed state and        upon deployment, unfolds its legs to expand allowing for said        deployment to simultaneously and in a plurality of directions        retract a specific body tissue area;    -   iii. said deployment initiated and controlled by the user.

In one embodiment, the surgical retractor of the present invention willalso contain light emitting elements.

In one embodiment, the partial polyhedral shape is a partialicosahedron.

In one embodiment, the deployment of the retractor of the presentinvention is achieved substantially by the method disclosed in FIG. 4.

In one embodiment, the deployment of the retractor of the presentinvention is achieved substantially by the method disclosed in FIG. 5.

In one embodiment, the deployment of the retractor of the presentinvention is achieved substantially by a combination of the methodsdisclosed in FIGS. 4 and 5.

In one embodiment, the deployment of the retractor of the presentinvention is achieved by methods known by those skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, the legs of the device of the present invention aremade from surgical grade steel.

In one embodiment, the legs of the device of the present invention aremade from surgical grade materials other than steel, including but notlimited to ceramics and plastics.

In one embodiment, the legs of the device of the present invention arehollow to allow for conduit to supply energy to light emitting elements.

In one embodiment, the device of the present invention is single use.

In one embodiment, the light emitting elements are self powered.

In one embodiment, the light emitting elements are replaceable.

In one embodiment, the light emitting elements are mounted magnetically.

In one embodiment, the light emitting elements may be user arranged.

In one embodiment, once deployed, the retractor of the present inventionfurther comprises a locking mechanism.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism can be unlocked whereupon theretractor may be reversibly deconstructed to allow for removal from thebody cavity area where deployed.

In one embodiment, once deployed, the retractor of the present inventioncompacts along one or more of its partial polyhedral axes by reversiblyfolding the legs that form the polyhedral structure.

In one embodiment, the retractor of the present invention compacts intoa substantially linear shape such that said retractor could be placedand withdrawn through a laparscopic trocar and deployed robotically andusable in laparscopic and robotic surgical procedures.

Examples

For clarity of disclosure, the following examples are based on thisdevice implemented in connection with a typical thyroid surgery. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many applications andembodiments of the device of the present invention, for example, and notby way of limitation, any surgery that is largely internal where accessis difficult, surgical spaces are confined, and surrounding tissues aredelicate.

Thyroid surgery requires steady retraction throughout the procedure.Typically, surgical assistants manually provide such retraction. Therehave been attempts at providing self-retaining retraction. For example,a retractor made from K-wire is bent in the shape of a hook with ablunted tip and placed at the area where the tissue will be retracted. Asmall loop is formed at the end of the shaft of the steel wire to hold arubber band which is attached to an ordinary pair of forceps. Theforceps are fixed to an immobile part of the surgical drape providingforce to the K-wire hook and providing steady retraction.

Other more specifically tailored devices have been tried. For example,the MASTR™ retractor by Surgical Innovations provides a self-retainingdisposable thyroid surgery retractor which is capable of retracting theplatysma muscle and strap muscles and conforms to the anatomy of theneck area and provides six direction retraction.

These methods provide uneven distribution of force. Moreover, duringthyroid surgery, the optimal surgical space is a moving target asdifferent parts of the thyroid being visible during different portionsof the surgery is desirable.

The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck, surrounded byvarious muscles and fatty tissues. It has two lobes that are located oneach side of the trachea and are joined at the center by a bridge ofthyroid tissue known as the isthmus.

Scarring from thyroid surgery is extremely visible since the incision ismade on the front portion of the neck. Trauma from uneven retractorforce can be a source of scarring.

Attempts have been made to provide O-ring devices common in abdominalsurgeries which is a device constructed of two rings connected by aplastic material such as polyurethane. An O-ring distributes forceevenly around its circumference. However, where the surgical site is notideally perfectly round, or where the surgical site is not as deep as anabdominal surgery, bunching of the plastic material may occurobstructing the surgical field.

Moreover, none of these designs provide for a direct source of light ator near the surgical field which means that the light provided to thesurgical field must come from a source further away subject toobstruction.

The device of the present invention overcomes all these negativeattributes and combines all of the positive attributes.

Firstly, the construction is in the shape of a partial polyhedron, i.e.,may have any number of retraction loci which provides for forceuniformity of a chosen degree depending on the shape of the surgicalfield in a given instance.

The retraction is implemented by deploying in place and expanding andlocking at the desired retraction level providing even and constantretraction force.

The retraction may be reversed by unlocking the locking mechanism andreversibly contracting the legs of the device uniformly at a desiredspeed.

The retractor of the device of the present invention is mechanical andmay be implemented with hollow legs which allows for light emittingelements to be implemented at the retraction site directly providing foran even, constant and illuminated retraction creating the optimalsurgical field.

Publications cited throughout this document are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety. Although the various aspects of theinvention have been illustrated above by reference to examples andpreferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the scope of theinvention is defined not by the foregoing description but by thefollowing claims properly construed under principles of patent law.

FIGS. 6A-6C show a retractor in accordance with another embodiment.Retractor 600 has a first, non-expanded (or flattened, or folded)configuration, shown in FIG. 6A. Retractor 600 is formed of a pluralityof legs 611, 613, 615, 621, 625, 627, 629, 631, 633, 635, 637, 641, 653,655, 663, 665, 671, and 673. In the first configuration, the legs arefolded into a configuration in which the legs are arranged in aflattened configuration. In the non-expanded position, retractor 600does not form a three-dimensional internal volume.

Each leg of retractor 600 is connected to at least one other leg at ajoint. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 6A, legs 615 and 611 areconnected at joint 603. Legs 611 and 613 are connected at joint 604.Legs 655 and 653 are connected at joint 605. Legs 653 and 637 areconnected at joint 606. Each joint allows two adjacent legs' positionsrelative to each other to be adjusted.

Each leg of retractor 600 has a length and a width (or diameter). Whenretractor 600 is in the flattened configuration shown in FIG. 6A,certain legs are positioned on top another leg (such as legs 629, 631);however, no leg has more than one other leg positioned above it in thisway. Accordingly, retractor 600, in the folded configuration, has afirst dimension D1 equal to or greater than the combined lengths of legs613, 665, and 663, and a second dimension D2 equal to or greater thanthe length of a leg 641. Retractor 600 has a third dimension no greaterthan the thickness of two legs (for example, legs 629 and 631).

FIG. 6B shows a cross-section of retractor 600 taken along line A. Atvarious points, the retractor has a thickness, in the dimensionindicated in FIG. 6B as the z-axis, equal to the thickness of one leg(e.g., the thickness of leg 611, 671, 637, or 641). Retractor 600 has amaximum thickness D3, at the point where leg 629 is folded onto andadjacent to leg 631. Therefore, the maximum thickness of retractor 600equals twice the thickness of one leg.

FIG. 6C shows retractor 600 in a second, unfolded (or expanded)configuration in accordance with an embodiment. Legs 633, 635, 637, 641,653, 655, 663, and 665 are raised relative to their positions shown inFIG. 6A, creating a three-dimensional volume 695 internal to thestructure.

Depending on the structure of the surgical retractor, various types ofjoint devices may be used at each joint, depending on the degree offreedom required at the joint. For example, at certain joints, a leg maybe required to be able to rotate up to 180 degrees (or more) in one ormore directions. At other joints, a leg may be required to swivel up to180 (or more) degrees in a single plane. Therefore, at selected joints aball joint may be used. At other joints a straight pivot may be used. Atother joints a gear-based joint may be used.

In one embodiment, one or more joints may include a locking mechanism.Accordingly, a user may adjust the position of one or more legsconnected to a particular joint in a selected configuration and thenlock the joint, fixing the legs in the selected configuration.

In some embodiments, one or more joints may include a locking balljoint.

FIGS. 7A-7C show a retractor in accordance with another embodiment. FIG.7A shows a retractor 700 in a folded (or flattened or non-expanded)state. Retractor 700 includes legs 711, 713, 721, 723, 725, 727, 729,733, 735, 737, 739, 741, and 743. Retractor 700 also includesmanipulator arms 775 and 777.

Retractor 700 also includes a connector 785 that holds manipulator arms775 and 777 in a crossed position; connector 785 holds manipulator arms775 and 777 at a point of intersection formed by the crossing of arms775 and 775. Connector 785 includes a first channel that allows arm 775to slide through the body of the connector and a second channel thatallows arm 777 to slide through the body of the connector. By adjustingthe position of connector 785 relative to the other legs of retractor700, the positions of manipulator arms 775, 777 relative to the otherlegs changes.

Each leg of retractor 700 is connected to at least one other leg (orarm) at a joint. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 7A, legs 713,721, 725, and 743 are connected at joint 703. Legs 711, 721, 741, 723,and 727 are connected at joint 704. Leg 743 and manipulator arm 777 areconnected at joint 705. Arm 777 and legs 739, 737, and 735 are connectedat joint 706. Each joint allows two adjacent legs' or arms' positionsrelative to each other to be adjusted.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7A, legs 739, 729, and 721 are of equallength. Consequently, retractor 700 includes a first rectangularstructure 754 formed by legs 739, 733, 729, and 735, and a secondrectangular structure 756 formed by legs 729, 723, 721, and 725. In thenon-expanded state, manipulator arms 775 and 777, rectangular structure754 and rectangular structure 756 are positioned in a single plane, orsubstantially in the same plane.

FIG. 7B shows a cross-section of retractor 700 taken along line B (shownin FIG. 7A). With the exception of the thickness of connector 785, themaximum thickness D3 of retractor 700, measured in the dimensionindicated in FIG. 7B as the z-axis, is equal to the thickness of one leg(e.g., the thickness of leg 775, 733, 737, 735, 777). Thus, exceptingthe thickness of connector 785, which is thicker than the thickness of aleg, at no point is thickness D3 of retractor 700 greater than thethickness of one leg. The thickness of the manipulator arms is the sameas the thickness of the legs. Advantageously, the reduced thickness ofretractor 700 when it is in the non-expanded state may allow a surgeonto more easily insert the retractor into a desired area of a patient'sbody (under an organ or between two organs), for example.

Referring again to FIG. 7A, connector 785 holds and secures manipulatorarms 775 and 777 in a crossed position, defining a point of intersectionof arms 775 and 777. However, connector 785 allows manipulator arms 775and 777 to move such that the angle formed between the arms may beadjusted. Thus, connector 785 allows a user to manipulate arms 775 and777 in such a way as to change the angle between arms 775 and 777. Bymanipulating the angle between arms 775 and 777, and the positions ofarms 775 and 777 relative to the other legs of the structure, a user maycause retractor 700 to move between its non-expanded state and anexpanded state.

In the expanded state, manipulator arms 775 and 777 define a firstplane, rectangular structure 754 defines a second plane different fromthe first plane, and rectangular structure 756 defines a third planedifferent from the first and second planes. An internalthree-dimensional volume defined by and bounded by the first, second andthird planes is created.

In the illustrative example, manipulator arms 775 and 777 may bemanipulated to form a three-dimensional structure such as that shown inFIG. 7C. FIG. 7C shows the retractor in an expanded state in accordancewith an embodiment. Specifically, manipulator arms 775 and 777 aremanipulated to cause legs 733 and 735, and legs 741 and 743, to movesuch that leg 741 is substantially parallel to leg 733, and leg 743 issubstantially parallel to leg 735. As a result, rectangular structure754 is substantially perpendicular to a plane formed by manipulator arms775, 777, and rectangular structure 756 is substantially parallel to theplane formed by the manipulator arms. Thus, manipulator arms 775 and777, rectangular structure 754, rectangular structure 756, and legs 741and 743 form a three-dimensional box-like structure having an internalthree-dimensional volume 795 between, and bounded by, legs 733, 737,735, 741, 743, 723, 727, 725, and 721, and portions of manipulator arms775 and 777. Advantageously, the internal volume 795 created whenretractor 700 is in the expanded state may create a volume that may beused as a surgical space, for example.

Connector 785 includes first and second disks stacked concentrically oneupon the other. Each disk has a channel adapted to hold a manipulatorarm. The disks share a common axis, and are connected along the axis,but able to rotate relative to each other. FIG. 7D shows a disk inaccordance with an embodiment. Disk 785-1 is circular in shape. Disk785-1 includes a channel 786 adapted to hold a manipulator arm. Disk785-1 also includes a hole 789 adapted to hold a fastener, andoptionally a locking mechanism. Channel 786 is off-center and thus doesnot pass through the geometric center of the disk.

FIG. 7E shows a side view of connector 785 in accordance with anembodiment. Connector 785 includes first disk 785-1 joinedconcentrically to a second disk 785-2. The two disks are connected by afastener 782. Other connecting mechanisms may be used. A locking button789 is coupled to fastener 782. Disks 785-1, 785-2 are connected byfastener 283 but are independently able to rotate relative to eachother. Disk 785-1 includes channel 786; disk 785-2 includes a channel788. As shown in FIG. 7E, channel 788 is off-center in disk 785-2. InFIG. 7E, channel 788 is perpendicular to channel 786. However, becausethe disks can rotate, the angle formed by the two channels may change.

Locking button 789 is adapted to lock disks 785-1, 785-2 in a fixedposition relative to each other. Locking button 789 has a lockedposition and an unlocked position. When locking button 789 is in thelocked position, the two disks cannot rotate relative to each other.When locking button 789 is in the unlocked position, the two disks canrotate relative to each other. Therefore, a user may move themanipulator arms to desired positions forming a desired angle (while thelocking button is in the unlocked position), and then press the lockingbutton to place it in the locked position and lock disks 785-1, 785-2 inthe selected position. When the locking button is locked, the anglebetween the manipulator arms cannot be changed.

FIG. 7F shows a top view of connector 785 in accordance with anembodiment. Channels 786, 788 hold arms 777, 775, respectively, in acrossed position, defining a point of intersection 781. Because disks785-1, 785-2 can rotate relative to each other, a user may movemanipulator arms 775, 777 in a manner to change the angle formed betweenthe manipulator arms. For example, as a user presses or pulls one orboth of the manipulator arms 775, 777, the channels may rotateaccordingly, allowing the user to control the angle between themanipulator arms.

The legs, arms, joints, and connector of a surgical retractor may beformed of any suitable material, such as plastic, ceramic or metal, or acombination of different materials. For example, selected components maybe made of injection molded plastic. Other materials may be used.

FIG. 8A shows a surgical retractor in a non-expanded (or flattened)state, in accordance with another embodiment. Retractor 800 is similarto retractor 700 shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. Thus, surgical retractor 800includes legs 811, 813, 821, 823, 825, 827, 829, 833, 835, 837, 839,841, and 843, and manipulator arms 875 and 877. Surgical retractor 800also includes a plurality of joints disposed between the legs and arms,including, for example, joints 805 and 808. Joint 805 connects leg 843and manipulator arm 875. Joint 808 connects leg 841 and manipulator arm877. Retractor 800 also includes a connector 885 that holds manipulatorarms 875 and 877.

Retractor 800 differs from retractor 700 in that legs 829 and 839 are ofequal length while leg 821 is longer than leg 829. Consequently,retractor 800 includes a first, rectangular structure defined by legs839, 833, 829, and 835, and a second, trapezoidal structure formed bylegs 829, 823, 821, and 825. In the non-expanded state, manipulator arms875, 877, rectangular structure 854, and trapezoidal structure 856 arepositioned in a single plane, or substantially in the same plane.

Surgical retractor 800 also includes lighting elements 891 and 893.Lighting element 891 is connected to joint 805, or may be connected to aleg near joint 805 (e.g., leg 843). Lighting element 893 is connected tojoint 808 or may be connected to a leg near joint 808 (e.g., leg 841).Lighting elements 891, 893 may be any suitable light source, such as alight-emitting diode (LED) light source. Other types of light sourcesmay be used.

In one embodiment, the light elements are attached to the legs of theretractor and are movable. The lighting elements are adapted to slide upand down the legs between the joints and be fixed in place with alocking mechanism. The lighting elements can be removed. The lightingelements are wireless. The lighting elements may be LED or conventionallight sources or another type of light source. The lighting elementseach have independent on/off switches. The lighting elements aredisposable. A surgeon may choose where and how many lighting elements toattach to various legs for each case. Each lighting element has a toggleon/off button and therefore may be switched during surgery as needed.

In the expanded state, manipulator arms 875, 877 define a first plane,rectangular structure 854 defines a second plane different from thefirst plane, and trapezoidal structure 856 defines a third planedifferent from the first and second planes. An internalthree-dimensional volume defined by and bounded by the first, second andthird planes is created.

FIG. 8B shows the retractor of FIG. 8A in an expanded state inaccordance with an embodiment. When in its expanded state, manipulatorarms 875, 877, rectangular structure 854, trapezoidal structure 856, andlegs 841 and 843 form a three-dimensional box-like structure thatcreates an internal three-dimensional volume 895 between, and boundedby, the legs and manipulator arms.

Lighting elements 891, 893 illuminate the internal three-dimensionalvolume 895 created by retractor 800 when retractor 800 is in itsexpanded state.

In other embodiments, retractor 800 may include more than two lightingelements. For example, retractor 800 may include a lighting element ateach joint.

FIG. 9 shows a surgical retractor in accordance with another embodiment.Retractor 900 includes legs 915 and 917, and a plurality of panels 903,905, and 907. Retractor 900 also includes manipulator arms 975, 977,which may be manipulated to cause retractor 900 to expand and contractbetween a non-expanded state and an expanded state in a manner similarto that described above with respect to retractor 700. Retractor 900 hasa non-expanded (flattened) state and an expanded state, similar toretractor 700 of FIGS. 7A-7C. In its expanded state, the legs 915, 917,arms 975, 977, and panels 903, 905, and 907 of retractor 900 create aninternal three-dimensional volume 995 between, and bounded by, the legs,arms, and panels.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, retractor 900 also includes lightingelements 944 and 946. Lighting elements 944, 946 are disposed on panel907. Lighting elements 944, 946 illuminate the internalthree-dimensional volume 995 created by the retractor in its expandedstate. Retractor 900 may include more than two lighting elements. Forexample, retractor 900 may include a lighting element at one or more ofthe joints, or at every joint. Lighting elements may be disposed onother panels, on one or more legs or on one or more arms.

Thus, in accordance with an embodiment, a surgical retractor deviceincludes a structure having a plurality of legs and a plurality ofjoints, each leg being connected to at least one second leg at a joint,wherein the structure has a non-expanded position in which the structuredoes not form an internal three-dimensional volume and an expandedposition in which the structure forms a three dimensional structurehaving an internal three-dimensional volume. The retractor also includesfirst and second manipulator arms, each of the first and secondmanipulator arms connected to at least two joints of the structure, themanipulator arms adapted to be manipulated by a hand of a user. Theretractor further includes a connector adapted to hold the first andsecond manipulator arms in a crossed position, defining a point ofintersection of the first and second manipulator arms. The connectorholds the first and second manipulator arms at the point ofintersection. The connector is adapted to allow the first and secondmanipulator arms to move to cause an angle formed by the first andsecond manipulator arms to change in response to pressure provided bythe hand of the user. Movement of the first and second manipulator armscauses the structure to move between the non-expanded position and theexpanded position.

The foregoing Detailed Description is to be understood as being in everyrespect illustrative and exemplary, but not restrictive, and the scopeof the invention disclosed herein is not to be determined from theDetailed Description, but rather from the claims as interpretedaccording to the full breadth permitted by the patent laws. It is to beunderstood that the embodiments shown and described herein are onlyillustrative of the principles of the present invention and that variousmodifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. Those skilled inthe art could implement various other feature combinations withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention.

1. A surgical retractor device comprising: a structure comprising aplurality of legs and a plurality of joints, each leg being connected toat least one second leg at a joint, wherein the structure has anon-expanded state in which the structure does not form an internalthree-dimensional volume and an expanded state in which the structureforms a three dimensional structure having an internal three-dimensionalvolume; and first and second manipulator arms, each of the first andsecond manipulator arms connected to at least two joints of thestructure, the manipulator arms adapted to be manipulated by a hand of auser; and a connector adapted to hold the first and second manipulatorarms in a crossed position, defining a point of intersection of thefirst and second manipulator arms, the connector being connected to thefirst and second manipulator arms at the point of intersection, theconnector adapted to allow the first and second manipulator arms to moveto cause an angle formed by the first and second manipulator arms tochange in response to pressure provided by the hand of the user; whereinmovement of the first and second manipulator arms causes the structureto move between the non-expanded state and the expanded state.
 2. Thesurgical retractor device of claim 1, wherein the legs comprise one of:plastic, ceramic, and metal.
 3. The surgical retractor device of claim1, further comprising: a plurality of lighting elements, each lightingelement being connected to a selected one of the plurality of legs. 4.The surgical retractor device of claim 3, wherein each lighting elementcomprises a light emitting diode (LED) light source.
 5. The surgicalretractor device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of legs form arectangular structure and a trapezoidal structure.
 6. The surgicalretractor device of claim 5, wherein: the first and second manipulatorarms, the rectangular structure, and the trapezoidal structure arepositioned in the same plane, when the structure is in the non-expandedstate; and the first and second manipulator arms define a first plane,the rectangular structure defines a second plane different from thefirst plane, and the trapezoidal structure defines a third planedifferent from the first and second planes, when the structure is in theexpanded state.
 7. The surgical retractor device of claim 6, wherein thefirst, second, and third planes define an internal three-dimensionalvolume, when the structure is in the expanded state.
 8. The surgicalretractor device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of legs form a firstrectangular structure and a second rectangular structure.
 9. Thesurgical retractor device of claim 8, wherein: the first and secondmanipulator arms, the first rectangular structure, and the secondrectangular structure are positioned in the same plane, when thestructure is in the non-expanded state; and the first and secondmanipulator arms define a first plane, the first rectangular structuredefines a second plane different from the first plane, and the secondrectangular structure defines a third plane different from the first andsecond planes, when the structure is in the expanded state.
 10. Thesurgical retractor device of claim 1, wherein the connector includes: afirst disk comprising a channel adapted to hold the first manipulatorarm; and a second disk adapted to hold the second manipulator arm, thesecond disk being connected to the first disk; wherein the first andsecond disks are adapted to rotate relative to each other.
 11. Thesurgical retractor of claim 10, wherein the connector further includes alocking button having a locked position and an unlocked position, thelocking button being adapted to lock the first disk in a positionrelative to the second disk, wherein the first and second disks canrotate relative to each other when the locking button is in the unlockedposition, wherein the first and second disks cannot rotate relative toeach other when the locking button is in the locked position.
 12. Thesurgical retractor of claim 1, wherein each of the joints includes oneof: a ball joint and a swivel.